National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5–9, but the Dairy Queen system is extending the celebration throughout the month of May with the return of the Orange Julius Treat for Teachers essay contest, presented by Orange Julius at DQ. The second annual contest gives teachers an opportunity to receive funding for classroom supplies just in time for the new school year.

The essay contest celebrates the Dairy Queen system’s Buy One, Get One for 99 Cents offer on all Orange Julius beverages. Throughout the month of May, all fans who purchase an Orange Julius Premium Fruit Smoothie, Light Smoothie, or Julius Original drink will receive a second drink for 99 cents at participating locations.

From now through Friday, May 30, teachers can log on to www.OrangeJuliusTreatforTeachers.com[6] and submit an essay in 99 words or less describing why their classroom deserves new supplies the school year.

Nine grand-prize winners will be awarded a $999.99 grant for classroom supplies and another 99 first-prize winners will receive a $99 gift card to an office supply retailer.

“We in the Dairy Queen system stand in gratitude for all that teachers do, oftentimes on a limited budget,” says Barry Westrum, executive vice president of marketing for American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ). “The Second Annual Orange Julius Treat for Teachers essay contest offers teachers an opportunity to continue to engage, educate and inspire students by providing additional funds for them to purchase supplies and learning materials for the upcoming school year.”

Entries will be judged on demonstrated need, essay development and organization, relevance to theme, and creativity and originality.

International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ) acquired the Orange Julius concept, known for its frothy fruit-blended Julius Original drink, in 1987, but the popular brand has been around for more than 85 years. The original began with Julius Freed, who operated an orange juice stand in Los Angeles. His friend Bill Hamlin liked oranges, but they upset his stomach, so Bill decided to blend his orange juice with a few choice ingredients that made it less acidic. Bill introduced the drink to Julius who then began selling the frothy beverage to customers.